CHAMPAGNE TOURS
These are exceptional Fine Vintage luxury French wine tours.
THE BRILLIANCE OF BUBBLES
You will visit the greatest Champagne Houses in style for a decadent, luxurious holiday. You will be treated royally, whilst learning about the incredible art of making the world’s best sparkling wine.
We have two fantastic options for touring Champagne. You can book a 3-day private tour on your own schedule, hosted by Champagne expert, Anton Hobbs. Or you can join one of our famous group tours over 5 perfect days, with a maximum of 20 other wine lovers, hosted by a Master of Wine, on the set schedule below.
Whichever option you take, you can be certain the meals will be outstanding and the quality and quantity of the Champagne you’ll be offered can only be described as lavish.
I know you’ll love this tour, and I invite you to join us.
JAMES CLUER, MASTER OF WINE
ABOUT THE TOUR & REGION
THE PARIS – CHAMPAGNE EXPRESS
We rendezvous in Paris in the morning and before you know it, you’re at one of the great Champagne Houses having a delicious lunch, sipping on the finest fizz, and learning all about this classic region.
After lunch we’ll check into our hotel and relax, with a visit to the awe-inspiring cathedral which is a few steps away. In the evening, we’ll set out for an unforgettable dinner at one of the great Houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, or Lanson.
THE ELEGANCE OF THE HOUSES OF ÉPERNAY
The town is much smaller than the city of Reims, and the pace of life appears a little slower. There is a grace to the houses lining the main avenue but don’t be deceived here too, hidden underground, are enormous stocks worth billions of dollars.
We will be treated to wonderful visits and meals by producers such as our friends at Bollinger, Moët et Chandon, and Dom Pérignon.
THE INDIVIDUALITY OF THE SMALL GROWERS
No trip to Champagne would be complete without visiting some of the myriad of small growers. The quality varies so we have picked some of the best such as Penet-Chardonnet with 6 hectares of vineyards in the Grand Cru villages of Verzy and Verzenay. Their award-winning cuvées are highly sought after in France and abroad.
The owners of Marguet at Ambonnay have decided to return to tending the land with horses, as a more gentle, respectful way of farming. It’s wonderful to see the heavy horses at work and to hear from the owners how they are striving for total harmony with nature for their large collection of Grand Cru cuvées!
THE INDIVIDUALITY OF THE SMALL GROWERS
No trip to Champagne would be complete without visiting some of the myriad of small growers. The quality varies so we have picked some of the best such as Penet-Chardonnet with 6 hectares of vineyards in the Grand Cru villages of Verzy and Verzenay. Their award-winning cuvées are highly sought after in France and abroad.
The owners of Marguet at Ambonnay have decided to return to tending the land with horses, as a more gentle, respectful way of farming. It’s wonderful to see the heavy horses at work and to hear from the owners how they are striving for total harmony with nature. The resulting wines ain’t half bad either with a large collection of Grand Cru cuvées!
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Our Luxury Wine Tours in Champagne are guided by Masters of Wine, James Cluer and Charles Curtis
CHARLES is an author, journalist, consultant, and former Head of Wine for Christie’s Auction House in both Asia and the Americas, with a wealth of experience in the wine and spirit trade. He joined Christie’s in 2008 from Moet Hennessy USA, where he was Director of Wine & Spirit Education.
In 2012 he set up his fine wine consultancy WineAlpha to provide advice on the buying, selling, storing, and shipping of fine wine, wine appraisals, and advice on varied topics of interest to wine collectors.
Curtis trained as a chef at the Cordon Bleu in Paris. He apprenticed at Michelin-starred restaurants, but moved to the wine trade in 1994, and passed the Master of Wine exam in 2004.
His first book, The Original Grand Crus of Burgundy, was released in 2014, and the second, Vintage Champagne 1899-2019 in 2020. He is a board member of the Institute of Masters of Wine, North America, and regular contributor to Decanter magazine and other publications.
Charles is unquestionably one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished wine experts in North America with a warm, friendly style and a love for sharing his passion for fine wine and great food.
UPCOMING CHAMPAGNE WINE TOUR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included in the price is four nights’ accommodation at a luxury hotel, all meals except those during free time, all winery tours, all wines at the visits, local transport for the duration of the tour, and all taxes and gratuities.
Basically, everything is included except your flights to Paris, your onwards transport from Reims after the tour ends, insurance, and any items of a personal nature.
PLANNING TIPS
Before the tour we will send some useful pre-trip information to help you with your planning.
Here you’ll find advice on how to get there, tips on what to wear, other things to do in Paris, details on the hotels, and what you might like to read in advance.
WEATHER
We visit during some of the nicest times of year, the Spring and the Fall. The weather is not too hot, is typically dry, and warm.
TESTIMONIALS
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